Blair wants second UN resolution on Iraq

Prime Minister Tony Blair said he wanted a second United Nations resolution authorising military action against Iraq if necessary.

Mr Blair, speaking before summit talks with US President George Bush at his Camp David retreat, said: "I believe this is best dealt with through the United Nations. I think it's a huge challenge for the international community."

He told CNN: "We came together last November around that resolution and I think we should continue to work together but it's got to be on the basis not of some fond hope, it's got to be based on the complete authority given by that resolution.

"The way to keep everyone together is to adhere to the discipline of that United Nations process."

Asked directly if he wanted a second resolution, the Prime Minister replied: "Absolutely. I think it's right we go for a second resolution because that's a way of saying this is an issue the international community is not going to duck."

Of his talks later with President Bush, the Prime Minister said: "We will talk through the whole strategy and how we make sure the very clear resolution that was laid down by the UN that Iraq disarms itself of weapons of mass destruction is carried through."

Asked about the timing of any future conflict, Mr Blair said: "The timing is governed by the judgment as to whether Iraq is co-operating or not.

"If they carry on not co-operating with the inspectors, then the judgment the Security Council will have to take is they are in breach of the security council resolution and action will have to be taken."

Mr Blair said the action by Iraq in not allowing private interviews between scientists and the weapons inspectors was "completely unacceptable".